Portugal: Authorities extend COVID-19-related state of emergency until April 15 /update 37

Portugal extends COVID-19-related state of emergency until April 15; domestic and international entry restrictions remain in effect.

Event

Authorities have extended the nationwide state of emergency until at least April 15 as part of measures to manage the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Under the state of emergency, residents of mainland Portugal must stay at home except to perform essential tasks, such as acquiring basic goods or going to work. Travel between municipalities will be banned over the March 26-April 5 Easter holiday season. Many nonessential businesses remain closed. Dining establishments are open for delivery and carryout services. All public events, except religious ceremonies, are prohibited.

Some restrictions have been eased as of March 26, with daycare centers, preschools, and primary schools, as well as bookstores and libraries and some close-contact services, permitted to open. Authorities plan to allow shops having floor space of up to 200 square meters (2,150 square feet), gyms, and outdoor dining at catering establishments to reopen from April 5.

International Entry Restrictions
Officials are maintaining international entry restrictions as of March 26. Entry is only permitted for travelers from the EU-associated states, Australia, China, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand. Travel from other countries remains prohibited except in limited essential cases, including EU citizens and residents returning home, reuniting with family, and commuting for essential work or study. All permitted arrivals must present a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours before boarding. Travelers arriving from countries with COVID-19 incidence rates of over 500 per 100,000 inhabitants must also self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.

Additionally, all flights to and from UK and Brazil remain suspended through at least March 31. Only humanitarian and repatriation flights from these countries will be permitted. All permitted travelers from these locations must be in possession of a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure and must self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Moreover, the border with Spain remains closed for nonessential crossings until at least April 5.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.